The female population showed the greatest backing for spending on public services, at 78%, compared to 63% of men.

Pensioner concern

The survey also suggests that UK voters want to prioritise the care of the nation's pensioners.

Four out of ten saw pensioners as the most important group to receive extra money from the budget, followed by 27% who wanted more help given to families with young children ahead of married couples or suffering businesses.

Just more than half the people surveyed thought that the government should subsidise mothers to stay at home and look after their children if there were to be tax cuts.

Yes, non-working mums should be subsidised

18-24yrs old - 70%

25-34yrs old - 58%

35-44yrs old - 57%

45-54yrs old - 54%

55-64yrs old - 50%

65+ yrs old - 34%

Both men and women approved of the subsidies for non-working mums, although the 18 to 24 year olds were notably more enthusiastic than their elders.

Lower petrol taxes came out much lower as a priority than spending on public services or pensioners.

Two thirds of people surveyed wanted the government to restore the married couples allowance, while 66% wanted tax relief on mortgage interest payments.

ICM interviewed a random sample of 1004 adults via the Internet between 6 and 9 February, 2001. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.

The BBC News Online 1000 will continue to give their opinions on political issues over the coming months as momentum builds towards a General Election.